Grandma Betty Outcalt

In November, Betty was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. She has had terrible acid reflex her whole life and was yearly screened for cancer. Unfortunately that fateful day came when she was diagnosed. Initially, they said the cancer was a slow growing type of cancer. However, before she even started chemo and radiation, the cancer spread to her lymph node in her neck and she had a tumor growing. She started chemo and radiation for 5 weeks. Chemo once a week, radiation 5 days a week. Her tumor in her lymph node went away. However, the Pet scan, in February, showed the cancer spread to her back. (Not knowing how deep or where in her back, per say) She was waiting to start chemo and radiation again in March because she  had to wait for the radiation to get out of her system. Before she could even start treatment again, she was having a terrible time wanting to eat. (a side effect of chemo is loss of appetite, nothing tastes good) She was also having a hard time swallowing and would choke. She lost weight quickly and looked thinner and paler. By Easter, we were noticing how unwell she was really looking. Trudy checked and watched on her with great care. A week later, Grandma Betty was declining pretty quickly, having a hard time walking around and functioning in general. Trudy took her to the ER a week ago last Friday. Betty was admitted to the hospital. While in the hospital for the past week, there is a tumor in one of her lobes in her right lung, partially collapsing it and pushing on her esophagus. Making it a terrible time to breath and swallow. She has been on much needed oxygen and started radiation last Monday 5 days a week. She still has a terrible time eating, as swallowing hurts. She has been given an IV for much needed nutrients. Her plural cavity in her lungs fill with fluid (from the cancer) and they have had to do 2 taps to drain the fluid. Each time, they have drained almost a liter to over a liter of fluid out of one of her lungs. They said if they can reduce her need for oxygen, she may be able to move to a nursing home. Some days, she gradually gets reduced, then the next day she is back on 100% oxygen. Her first or second night in the hospital she even went hypoxic (not enough oxygen). She states she has to try radiation, chemo eventually, because she wants to try and fight the cancer.

Trudy is with her mom every day. We try to visit 2-3 times a week. Kyle has a special relationship with his Grandma and it has not been easy for him to come to terms with how his Grandma is doing. She is always trying to be in good spirits and says she is not in pain, she just hopes she has been good enough. 

We love Grandma Betty, Meme, and are cherishing what time we have left with her in this life. We take it one day at a time, not knowing what could happen the next day. Her trial is strengthening all of our testimonies and faith about God, His Plan, and Families.

We love you, Meme! We hold dear the love and strength you bring to the family!